Is the Monk overpowered?

[Prestidigitalis]

PH3, page 195. Monks can use daggers and staffs as superior implements, although the daggers aren't in PH3 for some reason (they're in the Character Builder).

I guess I was thinking of Ki Focuses specifically. How about them?

 

[Peraion Graufalke]

I guess I was thinking of Ki Focuses specifically. How about them?

Well, you can't boost them with a feat like you can do with implements and Superior Implement Proficiency. I'm not sure if that answers your question, though.

 

[Argyle King]

It's simply a matter of balance. As non-weapon attacks, this balances out the lack of weapon proficiencies.

This is completely true, but it also illustrates the 'problem' with accurate implements. With an accurate implement, it's possible for me to have the same attack bonus with an implement as I do with a weapon while also targeting defenses which are usually far lower than AC - the defense normally targeted by weapon attacks.


I say 'problem' because many people view this as being a non-issue. However, I feel that it tends to throw off the expected math which the game is built upon. I still do not feel the monk is overpowered; however, I can understand why someone might feel the monk feels overpowered. Also, accurate implements are one of the things presented in PHB3 which I feel are guilty of power creep. The difference between building a character with PHB1 or PHB2 vs PHB3 is a bit more pronounced than it is between PHB1 and PHB2. I'm starting to drift off topic though.


I do not feel the monk is overpowered, but I do feel it is possible to build a monk which can simultaneously perform the striker, controller, and defender roles. Unlike other classes which can perform multiple roles, the monk can do all three rather well without sacrificing very much effectiveness. This can cause the monk to appear overpowered when compared to other classes, but I feel it's more an issue of later parts of 4E seeming to built upon different design goals and game assumptions than what earlier 4E parts were built with.

 

[Mort_Q]

Isn't an accurate implement only an additional +1?

 

[Argyle King]

Isn't an accurate implement only an additional +1?

Yes, and Versatile Expertise is another +1 for a total of +2 which puts you on par with the proficiency bonus granted by some weapons. You're targeting defenses which are typically a few points lower than AC - the defense typically targeted by weapons which means you're actually more accurate than a weapon user in many cases. Since virtually all of a monk's powers are implement attacks, it's a good investment for a monk.

 

[Mort_Q]

I haven't done the math, but don't weapon users also have access to expertise feats? Aren't weapon users ahead of the curve on damage output since they can use better weapons? Doesn't it work out then that Monks hit more often but do less damage?

 

[keterys]

They can both get Expertise, so that's nothing new. Accurate Implement brings you back on par with a weapon attack in most respects, at the cost of a feat.

Part of me suspects that monks using superior implement: staff, when they use ki focus as their actual implement type, is an oversight.

 

[Victim]

They can both get Expertise, so that's nothing new. Accurate Implement brings you back on par with a weapon attack in most respects, at the cost of a feat.

There are plenty of weapon attacks that attack NADs instead of AC though.

 

[Mort_Q]

There are plenty of weapon attacks that attack NADs instead of AC though.

No at-will attacks, iirc.

 

[abyssaldeath]

No at-will attacks, iirc.

The Rogue has one. It's even in the PHB1. Piercing Strike.